Residents near Ontario’s Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Muskoka cottage country are divided over the sanctuary’s decision to house seven African lions temporarily last summer. The sanctuary’s executive director, Linda Glimps, revealed that the request to house the lions came from A Humane World for Animals to provide a temporary refuge for the lions rescued from a Quebec roadside zoo while awaiting permits for permanent relocation to the United States.
Glimps explained that the sanctuary was under a veil of secrecy due to ongoing legal matters concerning the lions, preventing them from disclosing details. Despite the controversy, the sanctuary received over $600,000 to construct an enclosure for the lions. Glimps emphasized that the sanctuary had no intention of housing lions permanently and clarified that the enclosure was solely for the lions’ temporary stay.
The arrival of the lions stirred unease among some residents like Carolyn Pearce, who lived near the sanctuary and experienced disrupted sleep due to the lions’ nightly roars. Pearce, who has a health condition requiring quality rest, had to temporarily relocate until the lions were moved. Her son-in-law, Hap Wilson, proposed alternative locations for the lion compound to mitigate disturbances to nearby residents.
Glimps defended the sanctuary’s actions, stating that the enclosure adhered to regulations and the lion roars were within acceptable noise levels. The sanctuary’s future involvement with lions remains uncertain, with Glimps expressing the need for thorough consideration and community consultation before accepting any large exotic animals. The Township of Muskoka Lakes is currently deliberating on the legality of the lion enclosures, focusing on the sea cans within the structure.
The saga has sparked debate in the community, highlighting the delicate balance between wildlife conservation efforts and respecting residents’ concerns. As discussions continue, the sanctuary aims to foster open dialogue and mutual understanding with its neighbors to address potential challenges effectively.